Creative language?

Athletes 'medalling'?

Wednesday, August 27th 2008

We all know that it's standard English to use a noun as a verb, but I still can't get used to "medal" being used to describe an action.

Although from the beginning of time we have been penning letters, papering books and forking the land, I am yet to get used to "athletes medalling" at the Olympics and other sporting events. This usage came from the Americans, I believe.

Having said that, I might as well get back to hosing my driveway and stop meddling in the people's business.

Gregory Cockburn

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